Month: June 2024

  • Sip Your Way to Radiant Skin

    Nothing is better than kicking back, relaxing, and treating yourself to well-deserved self-care.  As you unwind, why not enjoy some drinks that help your skin glow and enhance your natural radiance? Hydration is key to maintaining that radiant complexion, and with the right drinks, you can nourish your skin from the inside out. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, enjoying a quiet morning on the patio, or just savoring some downtime, these drinks will help you achieve that coveted glow and make your skin feel as rejuvenated as you do.

    A refreshing green tea pomegranate drink for glowing skin served in a glass on a wooden table.
    •  

    Green Tea Pomegranate Punch

    Green tea is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, while pomegranate juice is packed with vitamins that promote healthy skin.

    Ingredients:

    – 1 cup brewed green tea, cooled
    – ½ cup pomegranate juice
    – 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
    – 1 lemon, juiced
    – Fresh pomegranate seeds for garnish
    – Mint leaves for garnish
    – Ice cubes
     
    Instructions:
    1. In a glass, mix the green tea, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and honey.
    2. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
    3. Stir well and garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and mint leaves.

    Serves: 2

    1. Cucumber Mint Refresher

    Cucumber is hydrating and rich in silica, which is great for skin health, while mint helps with digestion and gives a refreshing flavor.

    Ingredients:

    – ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
    – 10 fresh mint leaves
    – 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    – 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
    – 8 oz. sparkling water
    – Ice cubes
     
    Instructions:
    1. Muddle cucumber slices and mint leaves in a glass.
    2. Add lemon juice and honey, then stir well.
    3. Fill the glass with ice and top with sparkling water.
    4. Garnish with a cucumber slice and a sprig of mint.

    Serves: 1

    A cool cucumber mint drink for glowing skin served in a glass, garnished with fresh mint leaves and cucumber slices
    A nourishing, vibrant tropical watermelon cooler skin drink served in a glass, infused with watermelon and mint leaves
    1. Tropical Watermelon Cooler

    Watermelon is loaded with vitamin C, essential for collagen production, while coconut water hydrates.

    Ingredients:

    – 12 mint leaves
    – ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
    – 1 lime, juiced
    – ½ cup coconut water
    – ½ cup watermelon juice
    – ½ cup sparkling water
    – Small scoop of ice
     

    Instructions:

    1. Prepare 2 pint-size glasses with ice. 
    2. Muddle the 12 mint leaves, cucumbers, and ice in a large metal shaker.
    3. Add the lime juice, coconut water, and watermelon juice.
    4. Cover tightly and shake for 30 seconds. 
    5. Strain into prepared glasses and top each glass with sparkling water.  
    Serves: 2

    Enjoy these healthy delights and feel great about every sip. Here’s to making every day feel like a long weekend! Cheers!

  • New to Santa Clara? Another Guide for Newcomers

    Hello, newbie, and welcome to Santa Clara, California! Since growing up nearby in San Jose, I’ve been able to enjoy Santa Clara my whole life. Now that I’ve been working for several years at this adorable location on Franklin Street, I’ve learned there’s so much more to Santa Clara than Great America, Mercado, and Levi’s Stadium. Here are some of my faves:

    A mural of Santa Clara in big letters with a picture of Mission Santa Clara de Asís

    Eats:

    DONUTS: STAN’S DONUT SHOP

    2628 Homestead Road

    Cash only! If glazed donuts are your favorite, get there sooner rather than later because they do sell out. Don’t worry though, the other donut flavors are delicious too!

     

    FILIPINO: TOPPINGS TREE

    1171 Homestead Road #150

    My go-to when I’m craving Filipino food. Dad’s cooking is still the best, but this is a close second!

     

    PIZZA: SENIORES PIZZA

    940 Monroe Street

    The best place to grab a slice or a whole pizza pie. I love the local sports vibe here. They have other locations up the Peninsula, but this one is my favorite. 

     

    Client Recommendations:

     

    DESSERT: PORTUGUESE TASTY DESSERT

    1085 El Camino Real

    “C” says to try the cinnamon bread, egg tarts, and the malassadas. I’m glad I listened- everything was delicious. It’s a cozy little spot where everything is made with love.

     

    INDIAN:

    THE YELLOW CHILI3555 Monroe Street #80

    JACKS AUTHENTIC INDIAN & MODERN VIBE- 3333 Coronado Place

    I have yet to try these restaurants, but “P” loves these two.

     

    halohalo
    Savoring Halo Halo, a delicious Filipino dessert, with my girls in front of Toppings Tree.

    Drinks:

    BREWERY: TAPLANDS

    1171 Homestead Road

    Fun, casual place with small bites and good beer.

     

    BOBA/COFFEE: JIAREN CAFE

    1171 Homestead Road Suite 140B

    Cute, community-focused shop with delicious drinks. Check out their website for classes & events.

     

    COFFEE: VOYAGER CRAFT COFFEE

    -1171 Homestead Road Suite140B

    -3985 Stevens Creek Boulevard

    Locally made craft coffee with a vibe. Four locations in the South Bay, and two are in Santa Clara. Lucky us!

     

    COFFEE: WHATCOFFEE & BAKERY

    1002 Monroe Street

    The newest coffee spot in the neighborhood has arrived! Modern vibe with tasty treats.

    Leisurely Strolls:

    CENTRAL PARK

    909 Kiely Boulevard

    Take a walk through lush greenery, relax by the pond, and enjoy a picnic! There’s also a swim center (seasonal), a community center, a Magical Bridge children’s playground, a library, and several community events held here throughout the year. Check the city website for details.

     

    SANTA CLARA FARMER’S MARKET

    950 Jackson Street

    Held every Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., this small farmer’s market has everything you’ll need. It showcases an array of seasonal produce, artisanal goods, flowers, and gourmet treats. Bonus: it’s across the street from me at Long Weekend Waxing & Skincare so feel free to park nearby and say Hi!

     

    SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY

    500 El Camino Real

    Not too far from the farmer’s market is the historic campus of Santa Clara University. Admire the Mission-style buildings, stroll through the courtyards, and soak in the intellectual vibe of this prestigious institution. Don’t miss the iconic Mission Santa Clara de Asís, a beloved landmark with a rich heritage dating back to the 18th century. It’s open to the public daily from 7 a.m.-7 p.m., but remember that it is an active church. Please be respectful.

     

    SELF-GUIDED HOME TOUR

    Before scoring this adorable location on Franklin Street, I had no idea Santa Clara had so many historic homes. When I have some downtime, I’ll walk around and admire these beauties. From Queen-Annes, craftsman styles, cottages, colonial revivals, and more, there’s something for all you architecture fans. 

     

    SAN TOMAS AQUINO CREEK TRAIL

    Trailhead at Everett N. “Eddie” Souza Park to Baylands Park Trail

    Whether you’re out for a brisk walk, a jog, or a bike ride, this multi-use trail offers an easy and quick escape from the hustle & bustle of everyday life.

     

     

    Pausing to admire the blooms at this stunning Eastlake-style home on Washington Street.

    I’ve only begun exploring this beautiful city, so if you have any suggestions, please let me know! I’ll be sharing my favorites from neighboring cities in an upcoming post. Thanks for reading, and as always, travel beautifully!